History
HELP began operation in 1994 as the first part of a comprehensive response to increased traffic on the highways in NYSDOT Region 8. The program started with seven trucks and was expanded to nine trucks in 1997. Soon after, the DOT entered into a partnership with the New York State Police and the program was expanded to 21 trucks and 300 patrol miles of highway. The program now boasts 38 trucks and over 800 patrol miles. In 2018, these trucks logged over 26,000 "assists".
Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
*Hours are expanded as needed for special events and holidays.
Each HELP vehicle patrols a specific segment of the roadway called a "sector", the combination of one or more sectors creating a "beat". There are six beats in Region 8 that cover portions of the Sprain Brook Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, Taconic State Parkway, Palisades Parkway, I-287, I-684, NY 17, I-84, US 6, US 9, Cross County Parkway, I-95, and I-87 (NYS Thruway)
Region 8 HELP Beat Map 
